B is for Banana Bread

My Theme

I like to make Banana Bread and Randy (and his fellow volunteers) like for me to send one or two along with him when he goes away for the weekend at events that he volunteers radio communications at. 

(Imagine a lovely pic of a steaming loaf of bread here - I couldn't find ripe bananas and mine didn't ripen in time before this post went up. )

Start out with your basic banana bread recipe....

3-4 smashed ripe bananas

1/3 c melted butter

1 c sugar

1 beaten egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

pinch salt

1 1/2 c all-purpose flour

1/3 c secret ingredient (amount varies due to mood!)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. With a wooden spoon, mix butter and the secret ingredient into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix the dry ingredients and stir into the banana-y goodness. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour or until a knife stabbed into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

my secret ingredient is......drumroll please!

Yup,  Malibu rum. 

The alcohol bakes off in the oven, so you can't get a buzz or anything.  It just leaves a lovely coconut flavor in the bread.   

This is a hit in my house!

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Random weird foods that fit the letter of the day....

 Banana Flowers

The sign at the store says they are slightly bitter & starchy, are good sources of Vitamins A & C and to steam them and add to soups & stews.

Bittermelon

The sign at the store said they are crunchy & juicy, full of beta carotene and they add zest to Asian dishes.